Shopping Tips

Do your homework. The mattress industry has undergone a significant shift in the past five years. Comfort and proper support are no longer mutually exclusive. The "firmer is better" mantra has given way to a new school of thought: "The industry's feeling is that you should buy something supple, not stiff," says Robin McRoskey Azevedo, president of McRoskey Airflex Mattress Co. "The mattress should conform to your shape." Manufacturers offer options to do just that, from shock-absorbing viscoelastic to silk and cashmere filling to adjustable air chambers.

The best way to find the mattress that suits you (and your partner, if you share a bed), is to do some of your own research for specific manufacturer information. Two independent industry sources are www.sleepproducts.org and www.bettersleep.org; they'll fill you in on innovations and the mattresses made by various companies.

Next, check out several manufacturers' Web sites to learn about their wares, then visit specialty sleep shops and showrooms to get a firsthand look at the most promising products.

Test the mattresses in person. Don't just run your hands across the quilted cushioning. Go to stores prepared for some serious relaxation -- or even a snooze. Wear loose, comfortable clothing, and bring a pillow or two from home. Plan to spend at least 15-20 minutes on each bed, and curl up as you normally do (not just flat on your back, unless that's how you sleep).

One high-end manufacturer, Duxiana, offers a nap room in the shop so customers can test the mattresses. Others allow extensive in-home trials and generous exchange policies (partly because, they say, your body requires a couple weeks to adjust to a new sleep surface).

Consider the costs. The Better Sleep Council recommends buying the biggest mattress you can afford that will fit comfortably in your room because research shows that the larger the surface area, the better sleep you'll get. Industry experts recommend buying both a mattress and its companion box spring or foundation because they are designed to work together. "Buying a mattress without the box spring is like buying a new car with old shock absorbers on it," says Bob Malin, vice president of merchandising for Serta. "If you have a fixed budget, you should buy a cheaper set rather than a more expensive mattress only. You'll get better support.